MEET THE STAFF: Lori Moran '93, G, '95
This is the first in an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.
Lori Moran '93, G, '95, Director of the Center for Career Development at The University of Scranton is preparing with her team for The Fall Career Expo that will take place on Friday, Sept. 30 in the Byron from 12-3 p.m.
The event is for students in all years and all majors. Students do not need to register in advance. There are 74 organizations coming in a variety of industries. Dress is smart business casual.
Twenty-nine years prior to planning Career Expos for the University, Moran was earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees as a student from Floral Park, New York.
In 1993 at The University of Scranton she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in English, and two years later earned a Master of Science in School Counseling. Moran began her career with the University in 2009 at the Center for Service & Social Justice, and in 2016 she joined the team at the Center for Career Development. In her role as Director, Moran manages the day-to-day operations. Today, she explains how the Center assists students, including preparing them for their first job.
"We have an outstanding team, each of whom play an important role, whether working directly with students and alumni, communicating with employers, or gathering data and planning for events," said Moran.
"We host Career Expos and other career events. We really are invested in the success of our students and we love supporting them along their career journeys. We work with our alumni as well…Once a Royal, always a Royal!"
How does the Center assist students?
* career decision-making,
* resume and cover letter writing,
* job and internship search,
* interview preparation including mock interviews,
* graduate school preparation,
* networking, and
* anything related to career development.
Q: How are you an advocate for the use of technology in the career development process?
A: Technology is crucial today. Job and internships are posted on line, applications are submitted electronically, and students have the opportunity to research companies, industries, and career information online.
We utilize a platform called Handshake at Scranton, and I encourage students to use it when doing a job or internship search and to set up appointments with members of the Career team. It’s also where students will be able to view and register for any upcoming career-related events. LinkedIn is an extremely valuable tool for the job and internship search, as well as for networking.
Q: What is a key piece of advice you recommend to students unsure of their career path?
A: It is OK if students are uncertain about their career path. Career Development is just that…development and a process. Not all students have a linear path from the first day of college to graduation and their first job; actually, many don’t know what they want to do right away and others change their path.
I recommend that students engage with their faculty, have conversations with their advisors, and make an appointment to see one of our career coaches. Networking and conducting informational interviews with professionals in industries you are considering is valuable. I can’t emphasize the importance of experiential learning enough-- internships, research with a professor, volunteer work. It is a great way to gain experience in an industry and decide whether you like it or not.
Q: How do you think the university's Jesuit mission has impacted your time on staff?
A. The Jesuit mission and values are central to the work that we do in Career Development. Cura Personalis, providing that individual attention to students, and being respectful of their uniqueness and caring for the whole person, has particularly impacted me and what I do in my work with students and alumni.
Each member of our team works to build relationships, whether with students, faculty and staff, alumni, or employers, and we are mindful of this and thankful for these collaborative relationships. I am blessed to work at an institution where the mission guides the work that we do.
Q: How do your background and experiences strengthen the Center for Career Development?
A: As an undergraduate student, I changed my major and my career goals. When I was in graduate school here at Scranton, I did an internship in what was then called Career Services, and I worked in a graduate-level position in Residence Life. These experiences introduced me to the idea of working in higher education, something I had not considered before. After graduating, I worked at a few other colleges....
Returning to the University was like coming home. I’m doing something I love at a place that I love. My background and education in counseling enables me to take a strengths-based approach with students. All of my experiences have provided insight to make me a better career counselor/coach and to provide leadership to the department. I’m excited for what the year holds!
Get to know...Lori Moran
When she's not at the University of Scranton, Moran loves spending time with family.
New York State of Mind? "My favorite sports team is the NY Islanders, and my all-time favorite musician is Billy Joel.
Binge-worthy picks: "I have a few shows I like, including Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek. I most recently watched Peaky Blinders."